Demand for occupational therapy services is related to the ability of patients to pay, either directly or through health insurance. The number of individuals who have access to occupational therapy services may increase because of federal health insurance reform. Both rehabilitation and habilitation services are listed among the essential health benefits that insurers will need to cover once reforms are implemented.

In May 2012, the median annual wages for occupational therapists in the top five industries in which these therapists worked were as follows:

The median annual salary for occupational therapists was $78,810 in 2014, according to the BLS. The best-paid 10 percent in the profession made $112,950, while the bottom 10 percent made $65,020. Occupational therapists that work for scientific research and development services are generally compensated very well, as are the therapists that work in the metropolitan areas of Las Vegas; Beaumont, Texas; and Daytona Beach, Florida.

Salary Satisfaction

3.4

SCORE

53

RATINGS

Occupational Therapists average a score of 3.4 out of 5 on our salary satisfaction scale. This places Occupational Therapists in the 86th percentile of salary satisfaction.